Showtime Networks president of programming Gary Levine and 'Shameless' producer John Wells have released statements to address the actress' departure from the long-running series.
- August 31, 2018
AceShowbiz - Showtime bosses and Shameless producer John Wells have confirmed reports suggesting Emmy Rossum is leaving the show.
The actress, who has played Fiona Gallagher in the hit U.S. version of the drama for eight years, hinted she was quitting the programme in a poetic Facebook post on Thursday morning, August 30, and now the series executives have announced she will be leaving at the end of the upcoming season, which begins next month.
A statement from Wells reads: "Emmy Rossum will forever be part of the Shameless family. She has been integral to the show's success, from her wonderful portrayal of Fiona to her leadership role on set, as well as directing multiple episodes of the series.
"We are hard at work now creating a season nine finale for Shameless which we hope will provide a Gallagher-worthy sendoff for Fiona that honors the great work Emmy has done. It is always bittersweet when an ensemble member decides to move out of the proverbial house, but our door will always remain open for Fiona to return home for a visit, or to move back in."
And Showtime Networks president of programming Gary Levine adds: "We were saddened when Emmy Rossum let us know that the upcoming ninth season of Shameless would be her last, but we are filled with an overwhelming sense of joy and gratitude for Emmy's inspired work on our series, of course in front of the camera but also behind it.
"Fiona Gallagher will always be one of Showtime's iconic characters, and we applaud Emmy for bringing this character to life in such a natural, touching and fearless performance. On behalf of everyone at Showtime and her millions of fans, we thank you Emmy!"
